Colombo, February 15 – The highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group A match between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday drew notable figures, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake present in the stands.
Images showed Dissanayake and Naqvi seated together in a VIP enclosure. Apart from Naqvi, PCB COO Salman Naseer was also seen inside the enclosure, along with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva. In a separate VIP enclosure, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, tournament ambassador Rohit Sharma, IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, and BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla were also spotted watching the action on the field.
The presence of high-profile cricketing and political figures at one of the sport's most intense rivalries highlighted the significance of the match, which had initially been in doubt due to the Pakistani government's initial refusal. However, after back-channel talks and Dissanayake's intervention, along with those of the PCB, SLC, Bangladesh, and UAE boards, Pakistan agreed to reverse their decision and are now playing in this high-stakes match.
India and Pakistan, both undefeated in the tournament leading up to the match, are vying for the top spot in Group A. The high-stakes match, steeped in history and rivalry, has attracted a large crowd at the stadium and the attention of every cricket enthusiast worldwide.
India entered the match with a dominant record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, having won seven of their eight previous meetings. Pakistan's only victory came in 2021, when openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan scripted a famous 10-wicket win in Dubai. With dignitaries and fans in attendance, Sunday's clash reiterated that the game is more than just a standard group-stage fixture.
